NEW MEDICAL BLOCK

Otago Witness, Issue 3247, 7 June 1916, Page 30

NEW MEDICAL BLOCK

LAYING OF FOUNDATION STONES. The cenmcm.y of laying the two foundation stones, north and south, of the new medical buildings 'n King street took place I on <-he Ist instant in the presence of a i number of interested persons, among whom were the Mayor of the city and several of ! the medical profession. The Chancellor of ; the University (the Rev. A. Cameron) pro- ; sided, and requested Mr W. Dawson, whose ; generous contribution towards the fund had ■ had much to do with the erection of the | building being determined upon, to address those present. Mr Dawson, in the course of his remarks, | referred to the steps that hud led up to . the decision to erect the building, and gave an historical sketch of the Otago Medical School. Continuing, he said it appeared to him that it was fitting to do honour to the indomitable perseverance of the pioneers of i medical education in Otago. What wonderful foresight had been theirs, and i what an enthusiasm for education! In laying the foundation stone oi the new building of the Otago University Medical School," he wished lo say he considered the existing school was one of the many landmarks of which Dunedin bad so much reason to be proud. Dunedin could rightly claim that it had always boon to the front m matters pertaining to education. Mr Dawson then formally declared the one foundation stone to bo well and truly | hid. and the [lon. J. A. Flanan (Minister • f Education) was called upon by tin Chancellor to perform a like ceremony in connection with the other foundation stone. The Hon. Mr Hanan said Dunedin was ' to be warmly congratulated upon the pos- j session of a University of such 11 high e':ih- ! dard and character. In the midst of all ; the turmoil, destruction, pain, grief, and ! death caused by this cataclysmic war, it came as a relief and almost with the peace of a benediction to stand as they d.d that clay to show honour to a profession whose aim it was in time "f war to rebuild human ] frames shattered by ehellure, to alleviate

pain, to carry love and humanity into th© very midst of ferocity and carnage; and whoso mission it was in time of peace to eradicate disease, to grapple daily with death, and, above all, to lead the way for building up a healthy, vigorous race.—(Applause.) The recognition of the need for more adequate provision for the special work of the medical faculty of the University of_ Otago by the oi'ection of new medical buildings, whose foundation stone they would lay that day, seemed to him a very fitting and significant sign of the unprecedented resoonsibility present events imposed upon the members of the medical profession. "When they thought of the thousands—nay millions—of men on the battlefields, with shattered limbs or diseasestricken bodies, they trembled to think of the future, whose most promising manhood was thus so ruinously depleted. It was this human wastage, more portentous than_ any financial, industrial, commercial, or political dislocation, that imposed on them an imperative need of-deep national concern and provision for the rebuilding of the race. — —(Applause.) The question of physical development:, the birth rate, the rearing of infants, medical, physical, and dental inspection of schools, contagious diseases, milk supply, pure food, the proper training of girls for their high future rank as wives and mothers—these and other questions of magnitude now surging to the from: appealed with a most insistent intensity to a staggered world, which saw its richest treasure—human life—so prodigally sacrificed. That the medical profession could be relied on to help diem to meet this grave national emergency might be the almost inconceivable advances mSe in the last generation through medical research and scientific inquiry. Mr Hauan went on to pay a tribute to our doctors and surgvons, hospital staffs, and ambulances and nurses for the way they had, during the war, robbed death, pain, and disease of many o; their horrors, and war of many of its victims. lie elaborated the personal devotion, self-sacrifice, and courageous attitude those filling the positions he had alluded to had taken up. and at what cost to themselves. In conclusion, Mr llanan said it was to the credit of some successful Otago men that they had shown a splendid public spirit and an open-handed liberality by donating sums to aid and develop this institution and other educational and beneficent agencies. Truly "they would be remembered by what they had done." And it was to be hoped that their fine example would inspire other men of means to prove themselves practical benefactors and philanthropists. Mr Hanan then completed the ceremonial by declaring the second corner stone

properly laid and had handed to hmi by tho chancellor, on behalf of tho architect', Mr Wales, and the contractors. Messrs Fletcher Bros., a fcilver trowel suitably inscribed; a similar presentation being made- to Mr W. Dawson. The Chancellor (the Rev. A. Cameronj mentioned that out of consideration for those present ho would not detain then) by delivering the speech he had prepared for the occasion, but would hand his manuscript on to the press. In the Chancellor's speech there was a hearty acknowledgoriicnt of what was due to the Minister or Iklucation, to Mr W. Dawson, and others; information concerning the new buildings, and an appreciation of the generous spirit shown by many in contributing: funds. Speaking on tho self reliant aspect of tho situation, the Chancellor expressed himself thus:-—"This University owes its existence to the wise foresight and self reliance of the founders of this province—-and ail through its history almost every forward step has been made possible through the generosity of individuals or of the people. The Dental School and the Home Science School are instances of this. Altogether the University has received from the people nearly £56.000 s'nee its foundation. But while we thankfully acknowledge the generosity we have received in the past, I am free to say that I have never known a time when we had greater need of liberal gifts from the people than to-day. On all hands our growing life is making growing demands, and if we are not to paralyse the life of the University we must seek to meet these needs in a liberal spirit. One and all we are agreed that Dunedin is to be the educational centre of the dominion. Wo want to seo her balk of learning frequented by young men and maidens from all parts of tho land, and to make our influence felt for good in all ranks of society. But if we are to do this we must he up and doing. We must make sacrifices in the interests of our University. I have said that in three months we received more than the £7500 for wh'ch we first asked. But to-day wo find ourselves faoa to face with tho necessity of raisinrr move monev for the completion of tho plan connected with the building. This is clue in part to the faulty nature of the foundations of the budding, which have run us into an unexpected expenditure of £I2OO. Then our large classes make it necessary that we at once complete the third story of this building. This m -ins another £2OOO. In addition to this £3200 wo need money for the erection of other buildings which are absolutely necessary to the effective use of the nrese.nt block. In all we require from £BOOO 1o £IO.OOO to meet tho demands of the Medical School in connection with this new building. So pressing do the teachers in the Mcdcal School this extension to be, that they have informed me through tk- Dean, that they have agreed to give £250 towards this new fund. " Who will follow? Every pound given carries a subsidy of pound for pound. The war is making great demands on our resources, but the Medical School : s making war on enemies more cruel and deadly than the Germans, and I hop-- many will count it a privilege to help us in our endeavour to make our school one of the best in Australasia." The singing of a verse of the National Anthem concluded the ceremony.